A New Pope Highlights Easter 2013 in Rome

What a special Easter this is bound to be with a new, charming and inspiring pope!

Francis has already attracted the sympathy of the whole world, Catholics or not, and will continue to surprise us, therefore come down to Rome and see this fascinating pontiff in action. Easter week is a very intense period for the pope, being Easter the most important feats for the Catholic church.

EASTER WEEK MASSES & RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

This year’s calendar is different from last year. You can check it out at the end of this page. And please remember that free tickets are required for the indoor ceremonies. You can get the entrance at the Prefecture of the Papal household.

We will only focus on some of the highlights. For instance on Maunday Thursday, Francis, who has the poor and the weak in his heart, will celebrate the Mass in the Rome juvenile prison of Casal del Marmo, to show these minors that they’re not forgotten at all and that they have to hope and strive to have a better future because a full life is waiting for them once they are out of prison.

Don’t forget that since the Stations of the Cross take place near the Colosseum, this landmark, the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill will all close at 2pm (last entrance at 1pm) on Friday, March 29.

EASTER EVENTS

Let’s see some more extraordinary museum openings and closings for this period.

Rome’s city-owned museums will also be open on Easter Monday, April 1.

All museums will be open on Easter, March 31.

The only exceptions are the Vatican museums closed both days because of the Easter religious holidays.

If you are particularly inspired by the new trend in the Catholic church you may want to see the exhibition on Peter, the apostle who wanted Rome to be the heart of Christianity, at Castle S. Angelo.

EASTER FOOD

Another strictly Easter related event is the new 3D Easter showing in the central Piazza del Popolo which is dedicated to the folklore, the celebrations, the traditions of Easter and chocolate eggs.

If you want to know what are Rome’s top pastry shops for the typical Italian Easter cake, Colomba, read our post.

For other Easter food and Roman traditions you’ll find this article useful.

Well, if you want to know more about Italian food and culture, without necessarily eating it, you shouldn’t miss the CulturaCibo exhibition, running until the end of the Easter holidays. This the showing we enjoyed the most this year: informative and funny at the same time. Furthermore, it’s free!

MUSIC & CONCERTS

And free are also the concerts held in some of Rome’s most beautiful churches through March 31 for the Sacred musicEaster Festival.

Rome will also host the American Gospel Singers who will perform on the 31st.

On April, instead, you can have a Valzer dance and much more in the Villa Borghese park from 3:30pm to 6pm.

OTHER EXHIBITS & EVENTS

What else has just started? MAXXI, Rome’s top contemporary art museum hosts the architecture exhibition on Energy and Oil. While the Japanese Culture Institute features a contemporary Ceramics display of items from Japan.

A good photography exhibit to enjoy with your kids is Fifty Kids, by the US photographer Elliott Erwitt, extended until the end of the Easter holidays.

Last but not least, some outdoor activities in Rome. Through April 4 you can enjoy Hanami, the cherry flower event near the EUR lake.